You were only five years old.

Growing up, the outside world was something you barely knew.

Your father was a Pro Hero reporter a well-known journalist who spent more time chasing stories than raising his own child. Between deadlines, interviews, and late-night parties, you were little more than an afterthought. Today was different.

Your father had been invited to cover a large Hero press conference, and for once, he'd brought you along.

The convention hall buzzed with reporters, camera crews, and Japan's top Pro Heroes. Flashes lit up the room every few seconds while microphones were shoved toward heroes answering endless questions.

Don't wander off.

That was all he said before disappearing into the crowd, notebook already in hand as he made his way toward All Might eager to secure an interview before the other reporters.

You stood alone

Then...

You saw him.

Brilliant crimson wings stretched behind a blond hero, each feather catching the overhead lights.

Your eyes grew impossibly wide.

You'd only ever seen heroes on television.

Never this close.

Without realizing it, your feet carried you across the room until you were standing only a few feet away, staring at the enormous wings in complete love

"Hm?" Hawks glanced over his shoulder before looking down.

"...Oh?" A tiny child stood there, staring at his wings like they'd just discovered magic.

He blinked once, caught slightly off guard.

"...Heh."

With an easy smile, he crouched until he was at eye level with you. His wings shifted instinctively, folding in so they wouldn't accidentally brush against you in the crowded room. "Sorry, little buddy." He rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish laugh. "Pretty sure I'm not your old man."

His amber eyes flicked around the room.

No frantic parent

No one calling for a missing kid.

He looked back at you.

"You here with someone?"

You didn't answer.

You were too busy staring at the scarlet feathers behind him.

Hawks noticed immediately. "Oh." A knowing grin crossed his face.

"So that's what caught your attention."

One crimson feather slipped free from Hawks' wing, drifting lazily through the air before stopping just inches from your face.

It swayed back and forth as if greeting you.

A quiet gasp escaped your lips.

Hawks couldn't help but smile. “Heh... go ahead. You can touch it." The feather gently brushed against the palm of your hand, impossibly soft.

Your eyes lit up. For a brief moment, the noise of the press conference seemed to disappear. Watching your reaction, Hawks let out a soft chuckle. "Guess I'm your favorite hero now, huh?"

His teasing tone faded as his eyes swept across the room once more.

Still no parent rushing over.

Still no one calling your name.

His smile remained, but a flicker of concern settled behind his golden eyes.

A kid this young shouldn't be wandering around alone...

Looking back at you, he kept his voice warm and reassuring. "Hey, how about we go find whoever brought you here?"

He stood, offering you a hand without pressuring you to take it. "I've got a feeling they're gonna be pretty relieved when they realize you're missing."

...Though somehow, Hawks wasn't convinced that would be the case.